There”s bad news on gasoline prices today, and some news that”s only slightly less bad.

The worst news is that gasoline prices rose 24 cents last month in Chico. On the bright side, such as it is, prices here are lower than almost everywhere else in Northern California.

AAA of Northern California reported Tuesday that the statewide average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gas is now $3.34. That”s a rise of 69 cents since the start of the year.

The average price in Chico was estimated to be $3.28. In the north state, only Santa Rosa and Vallejo had a lower price: $3.27.

“This is one of the most significant price increases we”ve seen in the last five years,” said Sean Comey, AAA spokesperson in a press release. “Fuel costs started rising at the beginning of February and never stopped.”

Not surprisingly, gas consumption is on a downward trend for the first time in more than a decade, according to state government statistics.

The price rise seems to be caused by lower than usual refinery production, according to AAA. The switch from winter to summer fuel blends took longer than usual and there were a series of unplanned production problems.

The cost of crude oil, the raw material from which gasoline is made, remains high.

“What California needs right now is reliable refinery production combined with a continuation of lower demand for fuel,” said Comey. “Those are the key ingredients in a recipe for some relief from the current situation.”

The most expensive gas in California is in Tahoe City, where regular unleaded sells for $3.60 per gallon. In the Bay Area, the average price is $3.47.

The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Casper, Wyo., where regular unleaded costs an average of $2.58.

AAA”s Fuel Gauge Report is a daily survey of more than 85,000 self-serve stations nationwide.